Mr Kenwright, the company said in a statement, has a “proven track record in building, leading, and maintaining strong, collaborative and engaged legal teams, and prides himself on close working relationships with key stakeholders built on collaboration, trust and mutual respect”.

He joins the global built environment consultancy from AECOM, where he served as general counsel for legal and risk internationally and also its chief counsel for EMEA. He started his career as a solicitor at global law firm King & Wood Mallesons.

Speaking about the appointment, Arup’s chief operating officer in Australasia, Murray Kretschmer, said: “Arup’s purpose of shaping a better world through advisory, planning and design is front and centre of the work that we take on.

“It was critically important to me that our new GC be a good cultural fit for our firm. As a member-owned company, it’s essential that our leaders genuinely align to our purpose and values, demonstrating strong and trusted leadership.” 

Mr Kenwright added: “These days, the most effective GCs play a much bigger role than being simply reactive technical advisors — they help enable the business to thrive. They are proactive and really understand the commercial DNA underpinning the business.

“I’m a passionate believer in the capacity for GCs to work hand and glove with the board and the broader business on developing strategy, ensuring the best outcomes for both members and clients. Ultimately, the most effective legal teams are problem solvers beyond just being excellent legal technicians.

“I’m thrilled to step into the fold at Arup, where the team are so clearly passionate about shaping a more sustainable future for new generations.

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“Having that purpose as a foundation enables my team to deliver pragmatic solutions that will enable Arup to better deliver on its sustainable development goals and effect real change in the industry.”